Endorsement of the Toronto Biennial of Art 2019 - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Gary Crawford

Access to all of the Toronto Biennial of Art 's sites and artworks are free. There is an extensive arts engagement program planned, and the first edition of the Toronto Biennial of Art will focus on Indigenous history in Toronto and contemporary Indigenous art. City Council has previously provided $50,000 to initiate planning of the Biennial. The Toronto Biennial of Art benefits the City of Toronto by presenting the highest quality of public art; enhancing Toronto as a tourism destination; building on previous support of the initiative; spreading art along the waterfront; providing a local and international stage for Indigenous artists; and anticipating the "Year of Public Art" in 2021. The footprint of the Toronto Biennial of Art in 2019 extends along the Toronto waterfront anchored by the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga to the west and the proposed eastern anchor at 259 Lake Shore Boulevard East. This Motion is urgent because of the time required to fit up the building at 259 Lake Shore Boulevard East for the Toronto Biennial of Art to open on schedule.